An amazing Peru festival in your trip Each year during the first two weeks of February, Puno hosts one of the largest and most vibrant festivals in all of South America - the spectacular Festival of the Virgen de la Candelaria. Paying homage to their patron saint, tens of thousands of dancers and musicians from all over the Peruvian Altiplano gather together on the shores of Lake Titicaca transforming Puno into the “Folkloric Capital of Peru.” Legend has it that during a large battle in the 1700’s, rebels attempted to overtake the city of Puno. Largely outnumbered, the townspeople struggled and were on the verge of losing the city until one villager desperately took a statue of the Virgin into battle. Morale quickly rose, and with the Virgin’s protection, the city’s inhabitants were able to force the invaders into retreat. Since then, La Candelaria is considered the patron saint of the land. The original statue is proudly venerated in the city’s main church and is taken out each year for the festival. For many days, the streets are flooded with colorful processions, strewn with confetti, and alit with fireworks. Dances are performed throughout the festival including a full-day competition featuring over 200 different styles of dance. The diverse styles reflect the deep folkloric tradition of the Quechua and Aymara cultures of the region. Donned in spectacularly colorful costumes and masks, the performers dance and sing along to traditional Andean music aiming to please the Lady of Candelaria, and to of course win the competition and that year’s bragging rights. The festivities culminate days later with thousands taking part in a lively five-kilometer parade through the city. Contact us to visit and take part in next year’s Candelaria Festival Puno.
An amazing Peru festival in your trip Each year during the first two weeks of February, Puno hosts one of the largest and most vibrant festivals in all of South America – the spectacular Festival of the Virgen de la Candelaria. Paying homage to their patron saint, tens of thousands of…
As if we needed another reason to indulge in this wonderfully tangy and frothy cocktail - each year on the first Saturday of February, Peru celebrates its National Drink, the iconic Pisco Sour. The cocktail has become such an institution and part of the national identity here that Peruvians demanded a day dedicated to the drink they adore. For them, it isn’t only a delicious concoction, but also a symbol of their country and what it has to offer. The simple, yet sophisticated drink is the perfect refreshment for a warm day in Lima; the tang of the lime, sweetness of the sugar, the bite of the Pisco, and the velvety texture from the egg white combine perfectly to create a well-balanced beverage sure to be your new go-to summer drink. A number of fairs and festivals are set to take place in Lima's Plaza de Armas, Barranco, and other areas throughout the city where people will gather together for a day inevitably filled with free-flowing Pisco Sours, music, and partying. We understand that busy schedules, prior arrangements, and living outside of our fine country makes it impossible to attend such events, so we've included our very own homemade cocktail recipe in the spirit of the day! Pisco Sour 2 ounces of Peruvian Pisco Juice of 1 Lime 2 tablespoons of simple syrup 1 tablespoon egg white 1/4 cup ice Bitters Preparation: Combine the lime juice with the syrup and mix to dissolve. Add pisco and ice and blend. Add the egg white and continue to blend until frothy. Pour, add a few drops of bitters, and serve. Contact Aracari today to book your very own Pisco Sour-filled adventure in Peru.
As if we needed another reason to indulge in this wonderfully tangy and frothy cocktail – each year on the first Saturday of February, Peru celebrates its National Drink, the iconic Pisco Sour. The cocktail has become such an institution and part of the national identity here that Peruvians demanded…
Taquile Island On a recent visit to the expansive and picturesque Lake Titicaca, James and I were rewarded with a visit to a community unlike any other that we had experienced before. Although much of the area is associated with inauthentic gimmicks aimed at attracting tourists, as Marisol described in her post, “Trip Report: Lake Titicaca,” we were afforded the opportunity to spend some time learning about the intriguing island community known as Taquile. Departing from the pier in Puno, James and I traveled on a boat bound for Suasi Island Eco Lodge. The warm rays of the sun, the cool breeze of the lake, and the gently rocking of the boat were mesmerizing and complemented the tranquil views of the shoreline, the Andean ducks, and the passing boats. Following a two-hour boat ride, we arrived to the pier, where members of the community welcomed us with a handshake and a smile. During our visit, our guide Maria, with the help of one of the community members, explained the various aspects of the Quechua-speaking people living here - people who are able to successfully fuse their ancient Inca traditions with modern technology. We listened intently as they described the Inca communal laws which they live by as well as the rudimentary process of farming potatoes, quinoa, barley, and other agricultural products, yet we were shocked when Maria explained that the islanders opted to use solar energy as their power source. There were also various demonstrations during our visit. One volunteer showed us how they use the natural flora to create a very important household item: laundry detergent. They produced this powerful and natural cleaning agent by grinding a particular cactus in between two stones, yielding a frothy and green mixture that is then strained and diluted with fresh water from
Taquile Island On a recent visit to the expansive and picturesque Lake Titicaca, James and I were rewarded with a visit to a community unlike any other that we had experienced before. Although much of the area is associated with inauthentic gimmicks aimed at attracting tourists, as Marisol described in…
Over the past few years, Peru has developed into a destination that is no longer just for backpackers looking for adventure in the Andes or historians studying ancient civilizations. Popping up at an increasingly growing rate in various regions throughout the country, luxury hotels, five-star dining, and private experiences are attracting a new demographic of discerning travelers. A destination once known only for its historical offerings, Peru is now a big player in the world of leading luxury destinations. The base of any trip starts with the accommodations, and the emergence of high-end boutiques and luxury hotels throughout Peru provides travelers with a combination of personalized service, high-quality and ample amenities, and a mix of style and comfort that permeates the importance of attention to the “finer details.” Luxury hotel brands have invested huge amounts in introducing hotels defined by their facilities and attention to customer service, and come fully equipped with spa services, gyms, and business centers. Boutiques, meanwhile, add quirky details and highly authentic touches to bring an altogether different flavor to options in Peru. A perfect example of an accommodation raising the bar of luxury hotels in Peru is Cusco’s Palacio Nazarenas (2012), a colonial convent refurbished by Orient-Express into a refined and fashionable property featuring 55 suites lavished in the most luxurious décor and amenities. The brand new JW Marriott Cusco also seeks to satisfy the needs of today’s luxury travelers with the style and design elements of an architecturally stunning site. For those looking for a more unique, personalized, and cozy property, La Lune One Suite (2012 … actually two suites) is an owner-operated boutique hotel? perfect for discerning travelers looking for a refined, lavish, and exclusive experience, with a hotel owner and operator who goes out of his way accommodate his guests and make
Over the past few years, Peru has developed into a destination that is no longer just for backpackers looking for adventure in the Andes or historians studying ancient civilizations. Popping up at an increasingly growing rate in various regions throughout the country, luxury hotels, five-star dining, and private experiences are…
A short boat ride from the Tambopata Research Center, a jungle lodge eight hours upriver from Puerto Maldonado, lies the largest known macaw clay-lick in the Amazon. On most mornings, hundreds of birds, including various species of macaws and parrots congregate at the clay, offering guests the unique opportunity to view this colorful spectacle and learn about the project through experiencing some of the daily activities of the lodge’s researchers. Recently, my colleague Simon and I were able to visit the research center and do just that. Tambopata's Macaw Project https://youtu.be/O2k6WCyII08 Visiting the Clay Lick We were awoken bright and early by our expert guide Yuri to visit the nearby claylick before sunrise, as we were informed this was the best time to visit just before the birds begin to arrive. Following our short boat trip to a small island across from the lick, we positioned ourselves on chairs and set up viewing scopes to watch from a distance, as to not disturb the birds and interrupt the research being conducted. As the sun rose through the jungle canopy, birds began to slowly arrive, first hovering in the distance, before a group of brave souls decided the lick was safe from predators and approached the clay to begin their daily routine. Hundreds followed screeching and screaming, and we spent the next few hours on the island viewing the birds, taking photos, and spotting different species from our guide’s field map. Scarlet, Blue-and Yellow, Red-and-Green, Blue-headed, and Red-bellied to name a few of the types of macaws we had the opportunity to see. It was a true spectacle of the natural world and a dynamic sensory experience, the sounds and colors of this much birdlife assembling together. Contact us to speak to an expert travel planner for information on visiting the
A short boat ride from the Tambopata Research Center, a jungle lodge eight hours upriver from Puerto Maldonado, lies the largest known macaw clay-lick in the Amazon. On most mornings, hundreds of birds, including various species of macaws and parrots congregate at the clay, offering guests the unique opportunity to…
In the heart of Peru’s Sacred Valley, hidden among its beautiful private gardens, ranch, and the picturesque mountains of the Valley lies a tranquil retreat and one of my personal and Aracari’s favorite hotels in Peru: Sol y Luna. TripAdvisor and the masses seem to agree with our praise; Sol y Luna was recently named to the Travelers’ Choice 2013 Top 25 Hotels in the World, a well-deserved distinction for this stylish yet cozy escape. A few weeks ago, I was fortunate enough to have spent a few days at Sol y Luna during a family vacation that took us all over Peru and discovered firsthand what makes this property a hidden gem worthy of acclaim. It is not to be treated as merely a place to stop between Cusco and a trip to Machu Picchu; the wonderful casitas built in perfect harmony with the surrounding gardens and valley, the Peruvian artwork boasting unique and colorful taste that echoes the vibrant floral display of these gardens, the hotel’s level of service, the onsite ranch with Peruvian Paso horses, the exciting activities available, and the excellent menu crafted by one of Lima’s hottest chefs are just some of the many reasons why you should take the time to spend a few days at this pleasant sanctuary. Whether you venture out to the nearby archaeological sites like Maras and Moray on quad or horseback, enjoy a massage at the charming Yacu Wasi spa, or just tote your camera around the grounds photographing the birds and the flowers, Sol y Luna is an unpretentious accommodation perfectly suitable for all types of travelers.My only complaint was that I could not stay longer, the only solution...return for another visit, and soon! Read more about Sol y Luna on our website and contact us to include
In the heart of Peru’s Sacred Valley, hidden among its beautiful private gardens, ranch, and the picturesque mountains of the Valley lies a tranquil retreat and one of my personal and Aracari’s favorite hotels in Peru: Sol y Luna. TripAdvisor and the masses seem to agree with our praise; Sol…
